A new walking group for sheltered housing residents in Renfrewshire has become a hit with tenants.
The Paisley Puffins held their first health walk last month around Paisley’s Fountain Gardens where five tenants joined walk leaders and volunteers.
But just four weeks later, the Puffins have doubled their participant numbers with many already feeling the health benefits of weekly walking.
The project is a result of a partnership between Renfrewshire Council and Scotland’s walking charity Paths for All which financially supported the initiative and trained staff and volunteers to be walk leaders.
Photo: The Paisley Puffins walkers on their first walk on 21st June 2018
Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “The project means that many tenants who were previously unable to attend Renfrewshire Walking Network’s existing walks due to reduced walking ability or lack of confidence, have been able to take part.
“This project started with very low level, short, easy walks on specially-selected smooth paths, with lots of rest points and facilities to introduce walking gradually.
“The residents have been able to socialise and meet new friends as well as increase their fitness levels and everyone is absolutely loving it.
“It’s been a great success.”
The Paisley Puffins want tenants to build up enough strength, fitness and confidence so they can be referred to the local health walks. They will also use strength and balance in their project.
Walks will take place at various locations over the coming months, bringing together tenants from Renfrewshire Council’s 12 sheltered housing units.
Walkers are being given pedometers and steps will be logged each week to track how far the group walks and what they achieve.
Anyone interested in walking with the Paisley Puffins or volunteering as a walk leader can contact Sally Logan, health and wellbeing co-ordinator with Renfrewshire Council on 0141 618 6055.